India's benchmark equity indices, the Sensex and Nifty, concluded Monday's trading session with considerable gains. The Sensex settled 1,006 points (1.27%) higher at 80,218.37, while the Nifty closed 289.15 points (1.2%) higher above the 24,300 mark at 24,328.50. This rally occurred despite prevailing geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan, which had initially been noted as potentially limiting further upside.
The day's strong performance was primarily attributed to better-than-expected earnings from heavyweight Reliance Industries (RIL) and favourable signals emanating from Asian markets. RIL shares surged by 5% after its Q4 results surpassed analysts' expectations, contributing significantly to the Sensex's climb. Early earnings trends for India Inc show double-digit year-on-year net profit growth for the second straight quarter, despite single-digit revenue growth. Fund flow data also points to renewed FII interest, with an estimated $3.5–4 billion invested in Indian markets, underscoring the country's relative attractiveness.
The market rally was broad-based, with twelve out of 13 major sectors registering gains. Notable strength was observed in the Nifty Bank index, which jumped over 1.41%, alongside the metal and pharma sectors, which rallied around 2%. PSU Bank (2.44%) and Oil & gas stocks (3.18) also shone.
Several companies saw significant share movements following their financial results or corporate announcements:
UltraTech Cement reported a 10% year-on-year rise in Q4 consolidated net profit to ₹2,482 crore, surpassing Street estimates, and declared a dividend of ₹77.50 per share.
Hindustan Zinc shares rose after posting a 47% YoY profit growth for Q4 FY25, alongside plans to expand into potash mining, gold, and other critical minerals.
Shriram Finance shares, however, dropped over 5% as the company's Q4 results, despite strong headline numbers, missed estimates on key metrics like credit cost and Net Interest Margin.
Tejas Networks shares tumbled 13% after reporting a consolidated net loss for Q4 FY25, weighed down by inventory write-downs.
Paras Defence shares increased ahead of its board meeting to consider a stock split and dividend. Defence stocks, in general, saw rallies of up to 9.27% amid heightened tensions.
Mahindra & Mahindra announced plans to acquire a 58.96% majority stake in SML Isuzu for ₹555 crore, impacting both stocks.
Sonata Software gained following a $73 million deal with a US-based TMT company.
In other corporate news, Ather Energy's IPO opened for subscription, aiming to raise capital for expansion and debt repayment. Vodafone Idea launched 5G services in additional cities.
While geopolitical tensions stemming from a recent incident in Kashmir were noted, experts suggested that a limited escalation might not significantly impact financial markets, expecting potential short-term "tantrums" rather than long-term damage. The Indian ₹ rose 12 paise against the US dollar, settling at 85.29. In the bond market, borrowing costs for top-rated public sector companies have fallen, reaching their lowest levels in at least three years. Meanwhile, gold prices have softened from their lifetime highs, influenced by factors including US-China trade talks and movement in the US dollar and USD/INR. Data also indicated that Gold ETFs have outperformed Nifty ETFs in SIP returns over the past year.
Overall, the markets displayed resilience, with strong earnings and positive global cues underpinning the day's significant upward movement
Indian equity markets are poised for a positive opening on Monday, tracking a firm movement in GIFT Nifty futures. As of 7:25 AM, GIFT Nifty Futures were trading 134 points higher at 24,254, signalling a potential recovery after a volatile previous session where the BSE Sensex plunged over 1,500 points intraday before settling 589 points lower at 79,213. The Nifty 50 ended the session 2,238 points adrift of its record peak of 26,277.35, underscoring prevailing investor caution amid geopolitical tensions.
However, the market showed positive momentum today, with the BSE Sensex opening 130 points above 79,343 and Nifty 50 at 24,070 points. By 10:20 AM, Sensex had climbed by 800 points, breaching the 80,000 mark and reaching 80,036 points.
Border Tensions and Domestic Triggers:
The Pahalgam terror attack and subsequent geopolitical developments between India and Pakistan continue to loom over market sentiment. Investors remain wary of any escalation at the borders which could increase market volatility.
Corporate Earnings:
Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) posted a resilient March quarter performance, with consolidated net profit rising 2% year-on-year to ₹19,407 crore, surpassing street estimates. The stock's reaction today will be keenly watched, given its heavy weight in benchmark indices.
Primary Market Activity:
Meanwhile, the Ather Energy IPO is drawing considerable attention from investors. Strong demand or muted subscription trends could impact broader market risk appetite in the mid-cap and new-age sectors.
Global Developments:
Globally, the sentiment is a mix of cautious optimism and risk-off positioning. Progress - or the lack thereof - in US-China trade talks continues to create uncertainty. Comments by former US President Donald Trump on the possible non-extension of tariff pauses stirred apprehension, despite simultaneous denials from Beijing about ongoing negotiations.
Currency Market Movements:
The US Dollar Index (DXY) strengthened by 0.17% to 99.64, recovering from its three-year lows earlier in the week. The dollar's rebound has been driven by a combination of easing trade tensions, mixed policy cues from Washington, and movements in the bond markets.
Commodities Update:
Gold prices eased on Monday amid improved risk appetite. Spot gold was down 0.3% at $3,309.31 an ounce as of 0016 GMT, retreating from a record high of $3,500.05 reached on 22 April. A stronger dollar further weighed on the bullion’s appeal.
Crude oil prices edged higher on Friday but concluded the week in negative territory. Brent crude futures settled 32 cents higher at $66.87 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) closed 23 cents up at $63.02 per barrel. Nevertheless, concerns over potential oversupply and lingering uncertainties around global trade negotiations kept oil under pressure.
Quarterly Results Today:
A flurry of earnings announcements will dominate investor attention. Companies reporting today include UltraTech Cement, TVS Motor Company, Adani Green Energy, IDBI Bank, Adani Total Gas, KFin Technologies, PNB Housing Finance, KPIT Technologies, and UCO Bank. Performance across these companies will offer a broader glimpse into sector-specific trends.
Reactions to Results and Exchange Disclosures:
Market participants will also digest quarterly numbers released over the weekend. Apart from Reliance Industries, notable results from DCB Bank, RBL Bank, and Indraprastha Gas Ltd (IGL) are expected to guide sectoral movements. L&T Finance, Force Motors, IDFC First Bank, India Cements, Poonawalla Fincorp, MRPL, Tata Technologies, Lloyds Metals, Mahindra Holidays, IREDA and Apollo Tyres are among the stocks that will be actively tracked, either owing to their earnings announcements made prior to opening today or follow-through reaction to prior disclosures.
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